Ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind official symbols? Many Indian citizens are curious about the emblems and mottos of our esteemed institutions. This case highlights how the Right to Information (RTI) Act can be a powerful tool to uncover the origins and rationale behind such symbols, even those associated with the highest court in the land. If you’ve ever been intrigued government logo or motto, this case shows you how to seek clarity through an RTI application.
Background: What Information Was Sought
An RTI applicant approached the Supreme Court of India with a specific query: what is the origin or basis for the Sanskrit phrase ‘Yatodharma stato Jaya’ that appears under the Supreme Court’s seal? The applicant wanted to understand the legal or administrative decision that led to this particular phrase being adopted as part of the Supreme Court’s logo. The Public Information Officer (PIO) at the Supreme Court, in their initial response, transferred some parts of the query to the Ministry of Home Affairs, as it related to the National Emblem. For the remaining queries, the PIO suggested that the information could be found on the Supreme Court’s official website.
How the Public Authority Responded
The initial response from the PIO indicated a partial transfer of the request, suggesting that some information lay with another department (Ministry of Home Affairs) concerning the National Emblem. For the core of the query, regarding the Supreme Court’s logo specifically, the PIO directed the applicant to the Supreme Court’s website. This response, while partially helpful, did not directly address the applicant’s core need to find the specific record or guideline under which the phrase was adopted Supreme Court itself.
The CIC Hearing: What Happened
The matter eventually reached the Central Information Commission (CIC) for a hearing. During the proceedings, the applicant reiterated their primary objective: to ascertain the specific law, guideline, or official notification that authorized the Supreme Court of India to adopt ‘Yatodharma stato Jaya’ as part of its logo. The applicant emphasized that they were not seeking general information about the phrase but the official record of its adoption Supreme Court.
The CIC Order and Its Significance
The Central Information Commission, after hearing the arguments, made a crucial observation. The Commission noted that the Supreme Court of India had chosen a phrase for its logo that was distinct from ‘Satyameva Jayate,’ which is adopted Government of India for the National Emblem. This distinction, the CIC reasoned, implied that there must be some official record or decision-making process within the Supreme Court itself that led to the adoption of ‘Yatodharma stato Jaya.’ Consequently, the CIC directed the PIO of the Supreme Court to actively search for and locate the relevant records pertaining to the adoption of this specific expression as part of the Supreme Court’s logo. The PIO was further instructed to provide a copy of these records to the appellant. This order is significant because it mandates the public authority to diligently search for and disclose information that might not be readily available or obvious, reinforcing the spirit of transparency under the RTI Act.
Key Lessons for RTI Applicants
- Lesson 1: Be Specific in Your Request: Clearly state what information you are seeking and from which authority. Vague requests can lead to transfers or suggestions to look at public websites, which may not contain the precise detail you need.
- Lesson 2: Understand Information Flow: Recognize that some information might be held government departments. While the PIO should guide you, be prepared to follow up if your query touches upon multiple areas.
- Lesson 3: Don’t Give Up on Official Records: If an institution uses a symbol or motto, there’s usually an official reason or record behind it. The CIC’s decision reinforces that these records, even if not immediately obvious, should be sought and disclosed under RTI.
How to File a Similar RTI Application
- Identify the Public Authority: Determine which specific government body or institution is responsible for the logo or motto you are inquiring about. In this case, it was the Supreme Court of India.
- Draft Your RTI Application: Clearly state your request. Use simple language and be precise. Mention the specific phrase or symbol and ask for the basis of its adoption, the relevant guidelines, or official records.
- Submit Your Application: Fill out the prescribed RTI application form and submit it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned authority. You can do this online or offline, along with the requisite fee.
- Follow Up and Escalate if Necessary: If you do not receive a satisfactory response within the stipulated time (usually 30 days as per Section 7 of the RTI Act), or if the response is inadequate, you have the right to file a First Appeal (under Section 19). If still unsatisfied, you can approach the Central Information Commission (CIC) for a Second Appeal.
Sample RTI question you can use:
Please provide a copy of the law, guideline, notification, or any official record under which the phrase ‘Yatodharma stato Jaya’ was adopted as part of the Supreme Court’s official logo/seal.
Conclusion
This case serves as an excellent example of how the RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information about the very fabric of our governance and institutions. The CIC’s directive to the Supreme Court PIO to search for the adoption record of ‘Yatodharma stato Jaya’ underscores that transparency extends to the symbols that represent our highest judicial body. your rights and filing a well-drafted RTI application, you too can uncover the stories behind official emblems and mottos, fostering greater understanding and accountability in public life.
